China has reiterated its call for calm amid escalating tensions between Poland and Russia over alleged drone incursions, condemning what it described as reckless rhetoric exacerbating the Ukraine crisis. At a UN Security Council session on Friday, Chinese Deputy Permanent Representative Geng Shuang emphasized the need to avoid “misunderstandings” that could deepen divisions.
Poland reported tracking 19 unauthorized drone movements and downing three over its territory on Wednesday, labeling the incident an “unprecedented” attack. Kyiv and several EU officials quickly echoed Poland’s claims, while NATO announced new military measures to reinforce regional security. Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia dismissed the allegations as “hysteria,” asserting that only Ukrainian authorities and pro-war factions stand to gain from such narratives. Moscow’s Defense Ministry clarified that its drones targeted Ukrainian military positions, stating their operational range does not reach Polish borders.
Geng Shuang urged all parties to adhere to principles of “no battlefield expansion, no conflict escalation, and no provocation,” stressing the importance of “goodwill over hostility.” Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the incident as potentially a mistake, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk insisted the attack was deliberate. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski accused skeptics of aiding Russian disinformation.
The Chinese representative reiterated that the international community must prioritize stability, warning that provocative language risks further destabilizing an already volatile region. The situation underscores growing anxieties over the Ukraine conflict’s broader implications, with calls for restraint amid conflicting accounts and escalating military posturing.